Meeting of the Parliament 16 January 2025
I begin by thanking all who contributed to the committee’s work on this inquiry, which arose from its consideration of petition PE1992, which was lodged in 2022. In my response to the committee, which was issued on 9 January, in my covering letter and again today, I welcome the committee’s consideration of the issues relevant to the future progress of the dualling programme.
Much has changed since the committee began its consideration of the petition, and its report recognises that. The delivery plan for completion of the A9 dualling programme was announced in December 2023. That plan involves the procurement of four design and build contracts as well as, subject to further decisions to be made in late 2025, the procurement of two mutual investment model—MIM—contracts. That approach was supported by a Cabinet decision to prioritise the completion of the A9 dualling programme within its budgets.
Since the announcement of that plan, the Government has made good progress, including through commencing procurement of the Tay crossing to Ballinluig project in May 2024; the awarding of the contract for the Tomatin to Moy project in July 2024; publication of orders for the Killiecrankie to Glen Garry and Dalraddy to Slochd projects; and progression of the land acquisition processes for the Tay crossing to Ballinluig, Pitlochry to Killiecrankie, Glen Garry to Dalwhinnie and Dalwhinnie to Crubenmore projects.
I will say more in my closing speech about the progress that has already been made and the further progress that is expected during 2025.